Letters to the Editor - 1/10/2013

Editor: In the wake of the fight over the fiscal cliff, the Republicans who did not like the result are trying to advance their goals by refusing to raise the debt ceiling.

Again, as in 2011, we will be presented with the spectacle of the Republican House majority holding the good faith and credit of theÂ United StatesÂ hostage to try to get massive spending cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Those cuts would never pass on their own because they are overwhelmingly opposed by the American people.

What is disturbing about this conflict is that it clearly demonstrates that there are people in the House and Senate who simply do not understand the issue.

President Obama has said that he "will not have another debate with this Congress over whether or not they should pay the bills that they've already racked up through the laws that they passedâ¦"Â Â Our own Sen. Pat Toomey disagreed with Obama's statement that the debt ceiling is about paying past debts, when, in fact, that is exactly what it is. Toomey somehow thinks that extending the debt ceiling is a license for more spending.

Not raising the debt ceiling is like taking your pals to a restaurant, consuming a big meal, and then when the bill comes, saying you wouldn't pay it because you were no longer hungry.

What Toomey and his ilk threaten to do by refusing to pay debts already incurred is to again risk the credit rating of the United States and destroy our economic reputation in the world markets.

These tactics are irresponsible. In sad irony, this man has been appointed to the Senate finance committee.

JAMES M. SHUTA

DICKSON CITY

No Russian names in early censuses

Editor: Your Jan. 5 article ("MoscowÂ to celebrate itsÂ RussianÂ heritage") has once again perpetuated an apparent falsehood that dates back to "The History of Luzerne Lackawana and Wyoming Cos.", published in 1880 by W.W. Munsell & Co. That appears to be the first instance of anyone claiming that the Lackawanna County town was named by Henry Drinker in honor of the Russian immigrants who lived there.

A check of the U.S. census record reveals that no one with an Eastern European, let alone a Russian surname, shows up in the area until the early 20th century. Â It's true they live here now, but not then.

The most credible story I have come across was related to local historian G. Ellis Miller by a descendant of Leander Griffith, the first merchant in the town.

The largest bell ever cast was the Tsar bell in Moscow, Russia. The steeple burned before it was ever rung and it fell to the ground and broke. It is still a tourist attraction in Moscow, Russia. The story of the bell often was used as newspaper filler in the U.S. during the 19th century. Americans were very familiar with the "Big Bell" story.

Supposedly, Mr. Griffith went to Philadelphia to purchase merchandise for the store he was opening along the new Drinker Turnpike (Main Street, Moscow, Pa.). When the clerk asked where to send the ordered goods, Griffith said that it didn't have a name but gave a description of where it was. The clerk told him it had to be called something, "even if it was Moscow, after the place with the big bell."

While not as exciting as the other naming stories I hope I'm excused for saying this one rings true.

Still, I hope that the Russian Christmas celebration was a big success.

TED BAIRD

COVINGTON TWP.

Two objections

Editor: I take exception to two items on the Jan. 3 editorial page:

David G. Watkins' letter calls for forfeiture of all guns in America because we have a strong military in place. This is not realistic. One thing has nothing to do with the other.

Should all sportsmen turn in their guns? Where would you draw the line?

Why is it that when something tragic happens, as in Connecticut, 99 percent of the people have to pay for the misdeeds of the 1 percent? Should we all stop driving cars or flying in airplanes because of crashes that cause death?

Do laws have to be changed? Maybe. I think that enforcement of current laws will work just fine, if they were followed and enforced with severe punishment when not met.

Also on your editorial page was aÂ drawing of a handgun with the figures of children carved into the grip. This picture was in very poor taste. The loss of life in that Connecticut incident was tragic, and will always be remembered. It will always hold a place in our hearts because we are able to hear the names and see the faces of the children and adults whose lives were taken in a senseless crime.

Here's a mental picture to consider: 3,000 unborn children without names and with faces that can't be seen are aborted every day in our so-called civilized country. Who speaks for them?Â Where are the cartoons and caricatures of these children who are discarded like yesterday's newspaper?

CHARLES D. LANDI

SCOTT TWP.

Clear hazards

Editor: Northeast Pennsylvania already has experienced some winter storms, so the new year is an ideal time to plan for effective clearing of snow and ice on sidewalks and in parking lots.

Accumulation causes problems for everyone, including people with disabilities. Whether a person uses a wheelchair, has difficulty walking, or has no disability, everyone benefits from routes which enable people to navigate safely.

As a wheelchair user, I often observe variations on this theme. One common scenario is that someone with a disability may access one corner, only to encounter a snow-filled curb-cut at the end of the block. Individuals often are forced to maneuver along the side of the road. While dodging between parked vehicles during traffic, I can attest that streets are generally clearer than sidewalks after a storm.

Precipitation buildup in parking lots poses another problem in addition to the lack of safety. Many businesses designate accessible parking spaces with stenciled insignias on the ground instead of signs. Not much snow is needed to completely hide the international access symbol. As a result, usually law-abiding patrons inadvertently park in them.

Clear sidewalks, curb cuts, and parking lots benefit all citizens. Parents pushing strollers and delivery people readily share this view. A collaborative effort is required to address this issue. Municipalities, businesses and homeowners must exercise diligence in maintaining their properties.

KEITH WILLIAMS

DIRECTOR OF ADVOCACY,

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING,

SCRANTON

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